THE BEST OF THE DOORS

The music of The Doors is a captivating encounter between skilled, creative and adventurous musicians, with totally different musical backgrounds: drummer John Densmore was inspired by jazz (from Miles Davis to John Coltrane), guitar player Robby Krieger grew up with classical music, was taught flamenco and then influenced by Wes Montgomery, Albert King, and Larry Carlton, and Ray Manzarek was classically trained piano and played in a jazz band. Jim was the only member who did not play an instrument, but his unique voice and poetical lyrics gave The Doors an often expressive and emotional dimension. This resulted in a varied, dynamic and 'groovy' blend of many different styles, from raw Mississippi blues, straight-forward rock and catchy pop tunes to psychedelia, folk and jazz. This very comprehensive compilation is the best way to discover the 'prog potential' of The Doors.

An important role in the music of The Doors plays the voice of Jim Morrison, I am delighted about the varied way he colours the music: tender and warm in the wonderful romantic ballad The Crystal Ship, bluesy in the swampy Roadhouse Blues and Five To One, cheerful in Hello I Love You and Touch Me, and expressive in the compelling When The Music's Over (catchy organ riff and distorted guitarwork) and the splendid build-up The End (a psychedelic atmosphere with sensitive guitar and dynamic drums). Jim Morrison wanted to be a famous poet but he became a legendary singer, fueled by his complicated emotional world.

Ray Manzarek delivers awesome work on his range of keyboards, often the Vox Continental organ (like in the exciting Light My Fire) but also a harpsichord solo in Love Me Two Times, Honky Tonk piano in the funny Alabama Song, the distinctive Fender Rhodes electric piano play in Riders On The Storm and even a church organ sound in The End.

The underrated Robby Krieger is such a good and versatile guitarist, he succeeds to embellish every song with wonderful musical ideas on the guitar, from powerful rock and intense blues to slide guitar in Waiting For The Sun, flamenco guitar intro in the sultry Spanish Caravan, and a swinging guitar riff in Love Her Madly.

And finally John Densmore, with his often intense drumming, from soft touches on the hi-hats to heavy beats on his drum kits, very well timed and dynamic.

A BIG HAND FOR THE BACKDOOR MEN OF THE PROG!

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